Tailgate reinforcement

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a reinforcement or brace that can be installed on the tailgate of a vehicle. The reinforcement can provide structural support for heavier mounted objects, such as tires, as well as allowing for different attachment points. Advantageously, the tailgate hinge does not need to be removed or replaced.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND Field

Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to reinforcementsfor use on vehicle tailgates, such as for reinforcing spare tirecarriers. Embodiments of the disclosure can reinforce the sheet metal onthe tailgate, thereby preventing damage to the tailgate.

Description of the Related Art

For some vehicles, the tailgate can be a structural weak spot. While thehinges connected the tailgate to the body of the vehicle tend to bestrong, the material making the tailgate itself, typically a sheetmetal, can be easily damaged when swinging the tailgate opened orclosed. This can be especially problematic when heavy objects, such asspare tires, are installed on the tailgate. Essentially, the tailgatepicks up too much momentum while closing, which can cause damage orflexing of the tailgate when stopped against the vehicle in the closedposition. Further, this heavy swinging motion may also enact somedamaging torque on the hinges.

Previous reinforcement structures have been used on tailgates, such asshown in U.S. Design Pat. No. D698,224, hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety. However, these types of structures require the fullremoval of the tailgate hinge, typically both on the tailgate side andthe vehicle body side, and a full replacement of the hinge. One aspectof the disclosure is the recognition that this is an expensive anddifficult process, in particular the alignment of hinges after removalof the original hinge as tolerances need to be very tight.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a spare tire carrier reinforcementfor a vehicle tailgate, the reinforcement comprising a reinforcementrecessed portion configured to cover a portion of an existing hinge on atailgate, wherein the existing hinge is configured to at least partiallyfit within a recess on an inner surface of the reinforcement recessedportion of the spare tire carrier reinforcement, and an attachmentmember that attaches the reinforcement recessed portion of the sparetire carrier reinforcement to the vehicle tailgate. In some embodiments,the existing hinge can be sandwiched between the reinforcement recessedportion and the tailgate.

In some embodiments, the reinforcement can further comprise a pair ofexisting hinges and a pair of reinforcement recessed portions, each ofthe pair of reinforcement recessed portions configured to cover at leasthalf of an existing hinge of the pair of existing hinges, the spare tirecarrier reinforcement further comprising a reinforcement bridgingportion that connects the pair of reinforcement recessed portions. Insome embodiments, the spare tire carrier reinforcement may not extendoutside a perimeter of the tailgate. In some embodiments, thereinforcement recessed portion is configured to cover at least half ofthe existing hinge on the tailgate.

In some embodiments, the reinforcement can further comprise areinforcement carrier portion configured to fit within a recess of thevehicle tailgate. In some embodiments, the reinforcement can furthercomprise a spare tire carrier configured to attach to an outer surfaceof the reinforcement carrier portion of the spare tire carrierreinforcement on a first side of the spare tire carrier. In someembodiments, the reinforcement can further comprise a spacer, whereinthe spare tire carrier is configured to attach to an outer surface ofthe spacer on a second side of the spare tire carrier.

In some embodiments, the reinforcement recessed portions can extendfurther from the tailgate than the reinforcement bridging portion. Insome embodiments, the reinforcement bridging portion can leave a gapbetween an inside surface of the reinforcement bridging portion and thetailgate. In some embodiments, the spare tire carrier reinforcement canbe configured to be directly attached to the existing hinge by insertingat bolt through the spare tire carrier reinforcement, into an existingaperture in the existing hinge, and into the vehicle tailgate. In someembodiments, the spare tire carrier reinforcement can reduce torsion onthe existing pair of hinges.

In some embodiments, the reinforcement can further comprise tabs orholes on an outer surface of the spare tire carrier reinforcement.

In some embodiments, the existing hinge can be configured to contact atleast one surface of the reinforcement recessed portion.

Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method of installing a sparetire carrier reinforcement onto a tailgate of a vehicle, the methodcomprising removing bolts attaching at least one tailgate hinge to thetailgate from at least one aperture in the at least one tailgate hingeand tailgate, covering a portion of the existing tailgate hinge with thespare tire carrier reinforcement, wherein the at least one tailgatehinge fits within a recess in the spare tire carrier reinforcement, andinserting bolts through apertures in the spare tire carrierreinforcement and into the aperture in the at least one tailgate hingeand the tailgate.

In some embodiments, the method can further comprise removing a sparetire carrier from the tailgate, and after inserting the bolts, attachingthe spare tire carrier to an outer surface of the spare tire carrierreinforcement. In some embodiments, the method can further compriseattaching at least one spacer to the tailgate after the removing of thespare tire carrier, and attaching the spare tire carrier to an outersurface of the at least one spacer.

In some embodiments, the at least one tailgate hinge may not be removedduring installation of the spare tire carrier reinforcement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a tailgate with a spare tire mount and hinge.

FIG. 2 illustrates a tailgate including an embodiment of a tailgatereinforcement.

FIG. 3 illustrates the tailgate of FIG. 2 with the spare tire carrierremoved.

FIG. 4 illustrates a reverse view of an embodiment of a tailgatereinforcement attached to a tailgate hinge.

FIG. 5 illustrates a reverse view of an embodiment of a tailgatereinforcement shown in FIG. 4 with the hinges removed.

FIGS. 6-10 illustrate different view of an embodiment of a tailgatereinforcement.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a tailgate reinforcement havingslots for attachment of different accessories or connectors.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method of installing an embodiment of a tailgatereinforcement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a tailgate reinforcement (e.g.,spare tire carrier tailgate reinforcement, tailgate brace, orreinforcement) which can be used to strengthen a vehicle tailgate andprevent damage to the tailgate. The tailgate reinforcement canadvantageously help support heavier objects on the tailgate of avehicle, such as a truck, Jeep, etc., though the particular vehicle doesnot limit the disclosure. Heavier tires that are used on the vehicles,especially when located farther away from the hinge, can cause damage tothe tailgate during motion. In particular, swinging the tailgate shutcan lead to a substantial amount of momentum being directed back at thevehicle, which can lead to damage to the body of the vehicle itself orthe tailgate. Advantageously, embodiments of the tailgate reinforcementcan minimize damage to the tailgate, as well as reduce torque to hingesconnecting the tailgate to the vehicle body. For example, the tailgatereinforcement can transfer the strength of the hinges along thereinforcement to protect the tailgate from damage.

In some embodiments, the reinforcement can be nested on top of anexisting tailgate hinge and connected to the existing tailgate hinge,thus eliminating the need to remove the hinge. Thus, advantageously theexisting hinges need not be removed and replaced as opposed to otherreinforcements that have been developed, such as discussed above.Accordingly, there can be significant costs and time savings for theinstallation of embodiments of the disclosure as compared to thosecurrently known in the art. Further, the installation of embodiments ofthe disclosure would be easier, especially to a layperson, than thoseknown in the art.

The reinforcement can be made of a number of different materials, suchas aluminum, steel, other metals/alloys, polymers, plastics, orceramics, and the particular material does not limit the disclosure.Further, the exact dimensions of the reinforcement do not limit thedisclosure and can vary depending on the structure of the vehicle and/orthe existing hinges.

Spare Tire Carrier Tailgate Reinforcement

In the generalist form, embodiments of the reinforcement can include twobodies connected by a bridging section with the two bodies at leastpartially covering previously installed hinges on the tailgate. However,more or less hinges may be used in some embodiments, and thus there canbe multiple bridging sections between three or more bodies covering thehinges. In some embodiments, the hinges can be nested withinrecesses/depressions within the reinforcement, rather than just beinggenerally covered by the reinforcement. This can help strengthen thetailgate to prevent bending or breaking of the tailgate, and generallyreduce the force load on the tailgate itself. For example, thereinforcement can advantageously extend the mass of the hinges out andaway from the sheet metal forming the back surface of the tailgate.Further, the bridging section can be configured to lock the existinghinges together, which can reduce or prevent misalignment of the hinges,such as due to torsion on the hinges.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a standard tailgate assembly for avehicle. As shown, the tailgate 100 (this view showing the sheet metalforming a front face of the tailgate facing outwards from the back ofthe vehicle in the closed position) can include a spare tire carrier110, typically located in a depression/recess/well 102 of the tailgate100, as well as a hinge 120. The hinge 120 can be made up of a bodysection 140 and a tailgate section 130 with the hinging mechanismlocated between and attaching the two and located generally to the sideof each of the components 120/130.

The tailgate section 130 of the hinge 120 can include a pair of arms 132located generally parallel to one another and extending partially alonga width of the tailgate 100. However, other configurations of the hinge120 can be used as well which can be encompassed by embodiments of thereinforcement discussed herein. As shown, bolts 134 can be used toattach the arms 132 to the tailgate 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates the same tailgate assembly as FIG. 1 but including anembodiment of a tailgate reinforcement 200. As shown, the tailgatereinforcement 200 partially covers the rear surface of the tailgate 100.In some embodiments, the reinforcement 200 does not extend outside theperimeter of the tailgate 100, such as shown in FIG. 2, and thus doesnot cover the hinging mechanism. In some embodiments, the reinforcement200 extends outside of a perimeter of the tailgate 100.

As shown, the reinforcement 200 extends generally from the hingingmechanism 131, while not covering the hinging section 131 which wouldprevent motion, and extends along a width of the tailgate 100. WhileFIG. 2 shows the reinforcement 200 extending about halfway the width ofthe tailgate 100, the particular width of the reinforcement 200 does notlimit the disclosure. Thus, the reinforcement 200 could extend ¼, ½, ¾or fully across a width of the tailgate 100. In some embodiments, thereinforcement 200 could extend less than ¼, ½, ¾ or fully across a widthof the tailgate 100. the reinforcement 200 could extend more than ¼, ½,or ¾ across a width of the tailgate 100.

In some embodiments, the tailgate reinforcement 200 can cover all orsubstantially all of the arms 132, though the particular coverage doesnot limit the disclosure. In some embodiments, the tailgatereinforcement 200 can generally conform to an outer surface of thetailgate 100 (such as well 102) and the arms 132 of the hinge 120. Insome embodiments, the tailgate reinforcement 200 may not changedimensions to conform to an outer surface of the tailgate 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tailgate reinforcement 200 can be generallyformed from two reinforcement hinge bracing sections 202 connected by areinforcement bridging (or connecting) section 204. The reinforcementhinge bracing sections 202 are configured to at least partially coverthe arms 132 of the hinge 130. As discussed below, the reinforcementhinge bracing sections 202 can be recessed so that the arms 132 fitwithin the reinforcement hinge bracing sections 202, thus providingstructural support to the hinge 130. In some embodiments, thereinforcement hinge bracing sections 202 may straddle the arms 132. Thereinforcement hinge bracing sections 202 can vary in dimensions as theyextend away from the hinge 130, for example becoming narrower towardstheir distal end as shown in FIG. 2. The arms 132 can contact at leastone surface within the recess of the reinforcement hinge bracingsections 202.

In some embodiments, the tailgate reinforcement 200 can include areinforcement recess section 206 to conform with the well 102 of thetailgate 100, though in other embodiments there may be no reinforcementrecess section 206 depending on the extension width of the reinforcement200. By conforming generally to the well 102 of the tailgate 100, thereinforcement recess section 206 can provide further stability to thetailgate reinforcement 200.

The reinforcement bridging section 204 may extend the length of thereinforcement hinge bracing sections 202 or may be substantiallyshorter. For example, the reinforcement bridging section 204 may onlyconnect approximately 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, or 30% of thereinforcement hinge bracing sections 202. In some embodiments, thereinforcement bridging section 204 may only connect at less thanapproximately 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, or 30% of the reinforcementhinge bracing sections 202. In some embodiments, the tailgatereinforcement 200 may form a generally square shape with thereinforcement bridging section 204 extending a length of thereinforcement hinge bracing sections 202. In some embodiments, thetailgate reinforcement 200 may form a generally backwards c-shape withthe reinforcement bridging section 204 only extending a partial width ofthe reinforcement hinge bracing sections 202.

In some embodiments, the reinforcement hinge bracing sections 202 mayinclude wells 210 to retain screws or other attachment mechanisms inaperture 212 (shown in FIG. 5) of the wells 210. Accordingly, the screws134 of the hinge 120 may be removed and the same screw (or longer screwsin some cases) may be inserted into the apertures 212 to connect thetailgate reinforcement 200 directly to the tailgate 100, holding thehinge 120 between the two. Thus, the tailgate reinforcement 200 may havethe same number of wells 210 and apertures 212 as screws 134 in thetailgate component 130 of the hinge 120. In some embodiments, thetailgate reinforcement 200 may have more wells 210 and apertures 212 asthe screws 134 in the tailgate component 130 of the hinge 120. In someembodiments, the tailgate reinforcement 200 may have less wells 210 andapertures 212 as the screws 134 in the tailgate component 130 of thehinge 120.

In some embodiments, an outer surface of the reinforcement hinge bracingsections 202 may extend further away from an outer surface of thetailgate 100 than an outer surface of the reinforcement bridging section204. For example, the reinforcement hinge bracing sections 202 may bethicker than the reinforcement bridging section 204 in some embodiments.However, in some embodiments, the reinforcement hinge bracing sections202 and reinforcement bridging section 204 may be flush on the outwardfacing surface of the reinforcement 200.

In some embodiments, there may be a gap between an inner surface of thereinforcement bridging section 204 and the outer surface of the tailgate100. Thus, a user could insert an item, such as a rope, through the gapto wrap around the reinforcement 200. In some embodiments, a user couldinsert different attachment mechanisms and/or assemblies, such as amounting assembly or a bracket assembly, into the gap. Other accessoriessuch as, for example, jacks or CB antennas, can then be installed ontothe reinforcement 200.

FIG. 3 illustrates the tailgate 100 with the spare tire carrier 110removed. As shown, the reinforcement 200 includes a number of apertures214 in the recess section 206 that can be aligned with apertures in thespare tire carrier 110. Thus, the spare tire carrier 110 can beinstalled onto the outer surface of the reinforcement 200, such as shownin FIG. 2. However, in some embodiments, the reinforcement 200 can beattached to the tailgate 100 in an area outside of the spare tirecarrier 110.

As the reinforcement 200 has a thickness extending away from thetailgate 100, the spare tire carrier 110 may be imbalanced whenreinstalled onto the reinforcement 200. Accordingly, spacers 220, suchas the two shown in FIG. 3 can be used which have the same thickness asthe section of the reinforcement 200 that the spare tire carrier 110 isinstalled on, allowing the spare tire carrier 110 to be balanced andeven on the tailgate 100. While two spacers 220 are shown in FIG. 3, anynumber of spacers can be used depending on the configuration of thespare tire carrier 110. Further, a single large spacer 220 could be usedas well. In some embodiments, the reinforcement 200 may extend so thatthe entirety of the spare tire carrier 110 is located on it, thus makingspacers 220 unnecessary. The spacers 220 can be attached throughapertures 222.

FIGS. 4-5 illustrate a reverse view of the reinforcement 200 (e.g.,generally showing an inner surface that would desirably at leastpartially abut against the tailgate 100. FIG. 4 shows the hinge arms 132attached to the reinforcement 200, while FIG. 5 shows the reinforcement200 with the hinge arms 132 removed, thereby showing recesses 220.

As shown, the reinforcement 200 can have recesses 220 that can generallyconform to the dimensions of the hinge arms 132. In some embodiments,the recesses 220 can be sized so that there is no gap surrounding thearms 132, which prevents unwanted motion (e.g., wiggle room) of thehinge arms 132 and the reinforcement 200. In some embodiments, therecesses 220 can be positioned to abut certain points on the arms 132,preventing wiggle but does not need to fully conform to the hinge arms132. Thus, the reinforcement 200 desirably has a point that at leastengages an outer surface, upper surface, and lower surface of each hingearm 132. In some embodiments, the hinge arms 132 contacts at least onesurface of the reinforcement 200. This allows the reinforcement 200 andthe hinge arms 132 to work as one larger piece, providing additionalstrength to the tailgate 100. As shown, the aperture 212 can extend intothe recesses 220. In some embodiments, the original bolts from the hingearms 132 can be used to install the reinforcement 200. In someembodiments, longer replacement bolts can be used instead. The bolts canbe threaded into the tailgate 100, thereby sandwiching the hinge arms132 between the reinforcement 200 and the tailgate 100. Thus, thetailgate 100 can act as a nut to hold the reinforcement 200 in place.

FIGS. 6-10 illustrate alternate viewpoints of the reinforcement 200.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the reinforcement 200 having acorrugated pattern 300 formed on the reinforcement bridging section 204.The corrugated pattern 300 can be formed from a plurality of generallyvertical slots or indentations, though the particular direction and lookof the corrugated pattern 300 does not limit the disclosure, and theycan extend diagonal, horizontal, or form other shapes such as acheckerboard pattern or crisscrosses. In some embodiments, thecorrugated pattern 300 can be located on both an outer surface and innersurface of the bridging section 204. In some embodiments, the corrugatedpattern 300 can be located on only one of the outer surface and innersurface of the bridging section 204.

As discussed above, there can be a gap between the bridging section 204and the tailgate 100. Thus, a mount (or other connection assembly notshown) can be installed on or around the connection area 204. The mountcan be configured to mate with the corrugated pattern 300 (or at leastmate with a portion of the corrugated pattern 300). However, in someembodiments the corrugated pattern 300 may be ornamental, and thusenhance the overall aesthetics of the reinforcement 200. In someembodiments, a single mount can be attached. In some embodiments,multiple mounts can be attached. In some embodiments, the mount can beconfigured to hold a number of different accessories. Further, othertabs, bolt holes/apertures, etc. can be located around the reinforcement200 for attachment of other accessories. In some embodiments, theseholes can be tapped. In some embodiments, plugs can be included into theholes until they are used.

Installation Method

Discussed below are embodiments of an installation method for attachingembodiments of the reinforcement onto the vehicle.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example embodiment of an installation method 400.If the reinforcement 200 will connect to the spare tire carrier, thespare tire carrier can first be removed 402. If not, the spare tirecarrier need not be removed as the reinforcement 200 can be installedaround the spare tire carrier. Following, bolts can be removed from thetailgate hinge attached to the tailgate 404, though the hinge itselfdoes not need to be removed. The reinforcement 200 can then cover thetailgate hinge, as discussed above, 406. The reinforcement 200 can thenbe attached to the tailgate by using bolts through the reinforcement,tailgate hinge, and tailgate 408. The bolts can be the original boltsremoved from the tailgate hinge, or longer bolts. If the spare tirecarrier is to be attached to the reinforcement 200, spacers 220 can beinstalled to balance the spare tire carrier and the spare tire carriercan be installed onto the spacers 220 and reinforcement 410.

In some embodiments, the reinforcement 200 can be installed without theneed to remove any of the hinges from the tailgate or the vehicle. Insome embodiments, the reinforcement 200 can provide significantstructural support to the tailgate, thus reducing or preventing damage,cracking, buckling, or other deformation of the tailgate.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that an inventivespare tire carrier reinforcements and installation methods aredisclosed. While several components, techniques and aspects have beendescribed with a certain degree of particularity, it is manifest thatmany changes can be made in the specific designs, constructions andmethodology herein above described without departing from the spirit andscope of this disclosure.

Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context ofseparate implementations can also be implemented in combination in asingle implementation. Conversely, various features that are describedin the context of a single implementation can also be implemented inmultiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination.Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, insome cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may beclaimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination.

Moreover, while methods may be depicted in the drawings or described inthe specification in a particular order, such methods need not beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and thatall methods need not be performed, to achieve desirable results. Othermethods that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in theexample methods and processes. For example, one or more additionalmethods can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between anyof the described methods. Further, the methods may be rearranged orreordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of varioussystem components in the implementations described above should not beunderstood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and itshould be understood that the described components and systems cangenerally be integrated together in a single product or packaged intomultiple products. Additionally, other implementations are within thescope of this disclosure.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements,and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intendedto imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way requiredfor one or more embodiments.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generallyintended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,”“about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent avalue, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, orcharacteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves adesired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is withinless than or equal to 10% of, within less than or equal to 5% of, withinless than or equal to 1% of, within less than or equal to 0.1% of, andwithin less than or equal to 0.01% of the stated amount. If the statedamount is 0 (e.g., none, having no), the above recited ranges can bespecific ranges, and not within a particular % of the value. Forexample, within less than or equal to 10 wt./vol. % of, within less thanor equal to 5 wt./vol. % of, within less than or equal to 1 wt./vol. %of, within less than or equal to 0.1 wt./vol. % of, and within less thanor equal to 0.01 wt./vol. % of the stated amount.

Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanyingdrawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not belimiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown arecontemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed inventions.Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarilybear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of thedevices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/orrearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature,aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element,or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in allother embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognizedthat any methods described herein may be practiced using any devicesuitable for performing the recited steps.

While a number of embodiments and variations thereof have been describedin detail, other modifications and methods of using the same will beapparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, it should beunderstood that various applications, modifications, materials, andsubstitutions can be made of equivalents without departing from theunique and inventive disclosure herein or the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tailgate reinforcement for a vehicle tailgate,the tailgate reinforcement comprising: a first and second hinge bracingsection configured to cover at least a portion of an existing hinge onthe vehicle tailgate, each of the first and second hinge bracingsections having a width; a bridging section connecting the first andsecond hinge bracing sections, the bridging section defining aconnection area configured to receive a mount, wherein the connectionarea of the bridging section comprises a plurality of slots orindentations extending vertically between the first and second hingebracing sections; and wherein a width of the bridging section is shorterthan the widths of the first and second hinge bracing sections.
 2. Thetailgate reinforcement of claim 1, further comprising a mount installedon the connection area of the bridging section, the mount beingconfigured to hold an accessory.
 3. The tailgate reinforcement of claim1, wherein the bridging section defines an inner surface and an outersurface, the plurality of slots or indentations being located on one orboth of the inner surface and the outer surface.
 4. The tailgatereinforcement of claim 1, wherein the hinge bracing sections vary indimension as the hinge bracing sections extend away from the existinghinges when the tailgate reinforcement is attached to the vehicletailgate.
 5. The tailgate reinforcement of claim 4, wherein each of thehinge bracing sections comprise a distal end and a proximal end, thehinge bracing sections narrowing towards the distal ends.
 6. Thetailgate reinforcement of claim 1, wherein the bridging section locksthe existing hinges together when the tailgate reinforcement is attachedto the vehicle tailgate.
 7. The tailgate reinforcement of claim 1,wherein the tailgate reinforcement does not extend outside of aperimeter of the vehicle tailgate.
 8. The tailgate reinforcement ofclaim 1, wherein the tailgate reinforcement extends outside of aperimeter of the vehicle tailgate.
 9. The tailgate reinforcement ofclaim 1, wherein the tailgate reinforcement extends across about half ofa width of the vehicle tailgate.
 10. The tailgate reinforcement of claim1, further comprising a recess section configured to conform with a wellof the vehicle tailgate.
 11. A tailgate reinforcement for a vehicletailgate, the tailgate reinforcement comprising: a first and secondhinge bracing section configured to cover at least a portion of anexisting hinge on the vehicle tailgate, each of the first and secondhinge bracing sections having a width; a bridging section connecting thefirst and second hinge bracing sections, the bridging section defining aseries of openings or recesses; wherein a width of the bridging sectionis shorter than the widths of the first and second hinge bracingsections such that the tailgate reinforcement forms a generallybackwards c-shape.
 12. The tailgate reinforcement of claim 11, furthercomprising a mount attached to the openings or recesses of the bridgingsection, the mount being configured to hold an accessory.
 13. Thetailgate reinforcement of claim 11, wherein the bridging section definesan inner surface and an outer surface, the series of openings orrecesses being located on one or both of the inner surface and the outersurface.
 14. The tailgate reinforcement of claim 11, wherein the hingebracing sections vary in dimension as the hinge bracing sections extendaway from the existing hinges when the tailgate reinforcement isattached to the vehicle tailgate.
 15. The tailgate reinforcement ofclaim 14, wherein each of the hinge bracing sections comprise a distalend and a proximal end, the hinge bracing sections narrowing towards thedistal ends.
 16. The tailgate reinforcement of claim 11, wherein thebridging section locks the existing hinges together when the tailgatereinforcement is attached to the vehicle tailgate.
 17. The tailgatereinforcement of claim 11, wherein the tailgate reinforcement does notextend outside of a perimeter of the vehicle tailgate.
 18. The tailgatereinforcement of claim 11, wherein the tailgate reinforcement extendsoutside of a perimeter of the vehicle tailgate.
 19. The tailgatereinforcement of claim 11, wherein the tailgate reinforcement extendsacross about half of a width of the vehicle tailgate.
 20. The tailgatereinforcement of claim 11, further comprising a recess sectionconfigured to conform with a well of the vehicle tailgate.